Portable pole dancing system

ABSTRACT

A portable pole dancing system including a base, a pole and a mat. The pole extends substantially perpendicular from the base. The mat substantially covers the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an exercise system. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable pole dancing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an increasing public awareness of the need for physical fitness and the importance of regular exercise for enhancing health and prolonging life. This is evidenced by the increasing availability of health centers, exercise devices, and health awareness publications. Unfortunately, in today's busy society many people have difficulty finding the time to exercise.

Two popular forms of exercise are weightlifting and aerobic exercises. Both forms are regarded as important compliments to each other for a healthy lifestyle. Health clubs, gyms and other types of businesses that cater to overall health and fitness generally provide “free weights” for weightlifting, various weight machines, and various forms of equipment and classes for aerobic exercises.

In addition to having a variety of exercises to strengthen various parts of the body, it is also desirable to utilize a variety of exercises to maintain the interest level associated with performing the exercise.

Another factor that is important in certain locations is space that is occupied by the exercise equipment when the exercise equipment is not being used. While it is desirable for the exercise equipment to be suitable for storage in a relatively small space when not in use, the exercise equipment must be sufficiently stable when in use so that the persons using the exercise equipment are not injured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable pole dancing system. The portable pole dancing system generally includes a base, a pole and a mat. The portable pole dancing system provides a stable orientation of the pole when in use and is collapsible when not in use to facilitate storing or transporting the portable pole dancing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable pole dancing system according to an embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base for the portable pole dancing system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hub and a leg in an exploded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hub and a plurality of legs attached thereto.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hub and the plurality of legs where adjacent legs are attached to each other with a connecting mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the upper mat portion.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper mat portion.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper mat in a folded configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a lower mat portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable pole dancing system, as illustrated at 10 in the accompanying figures. The portable pole dancing system 10 provides a stable support for persons using the portable pole dancing system 10 for activities such as exercise. The portable pole dancing system 10 is also capable of being collapsed to facilitate storage and/or transportation to a location where the portable pole dancing system 10 is to be used.

An upper exercise surface of the portable pole dancing system 10 is oriented very close to the ground surface over which the portable pole dancing system 10 is used. As used herein, the meaning of very close to the ground surface means that the upper exercise surface is less than 6 inches above the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the upper exercise surface is less than about 2 inches about the ground surface. In other embodiments, the upper exercise surface is less than about 1 inch above the ground surface. In still other embodiments, the base 20 has a thickness that is less than a diameter of the pole 22.

Orienting the upper exercise surface relatively close to the ground surface enhances the safety of the portable pole dancing system 10 when compared to prior art portable pole dancing systems such as PLATINUM STAGE that is marketed by Platinum Stages Inc.

The portable pole dancing system 10 may be used in conjunction with effective and attractive exercises for modern day women and men. Such exercises may incorporate strength and endurance training in a fun and entertaining way.

Exercises done using the portable pole dancing system may burn more calories and provide more muscle tone than an average session at the gym. Additionally, using the portable pole dancing system 10 for conducting various exercises may be more fun and entertaining than conducting exercises using other exercise equipment.

The portable pole dancing system 10 provides sufficient stability such that the portable pole dancing system 10 may be used without attachment of the upper end of the pole 22 to a structure such as a ceiling. Additionally, the upper surface of the mat 24 is relatively close to the floor to reduce hazards associated with falling off of an elevated platform or podium.

The portable pole dancing system 10 may generally include a base 20, a pole 22 and a mat 24. The base 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, may be formed with a plurality of sides that are substantially symmetrically shaped. While it is possible to form the base 20 with a variety of sides using the concepts of the invention, in certain embodiments, the base 20 has six sides.

The base 20 may be fabricated from a plurality of legs 30 that each extend from a hub 32. In certain embodiments, the legs 30 may each have a generally circular profile. Forming the legs 30 with the circular profile provides the legs 30 with sufficient strength to resist deformation. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that other factors that may affect the strength of the legs 30 include the width and length of the sides, the thickness of the sides and the material from which the legs 30 are fabricated.

The legs 30 may each be formed with a generally triangular shape that includes a first leg section 60, a second leg section 62 and a third leg section 64. The first leg section 60 may be adapted to engage the hub 32. The first leg section 60 may be formed with a length that corresponds to a radius of the base 20.

The radius of the base 20 may be selected to provide the portable pole dancing system 10 with sufficient stability during use such that the portable pole dancing system 10 resists falling over. In certain embodiments, the radius may be between about 0.5 meters and 2.0 meters. In other embodiments, the radius may be between about 0.8 meters and 1.0 meters.

The second leg section 62 extends from an end of the first leg section 60 that is opposite the hub 32. The second leg section 62 may be formed with a length that corresponds to a distance between adjacent end of the first leg section 60 that are opposite the hub 32.

The third leg section 64 extends from an end of the second leg section 62 that is opposite the end of the second leg section 62 that is attached to the first leg section 60. The third leg section 64 may have a length that is shorter than a length of the first leg section 60.

The third leg section 64 on a first leg 30 may be oriented at an angle so that the third leg section 64 is substantially parallel to the first leg section 60 on an adjacent leg 30, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The legs 30 may be removably attached to the hub 32 to facilitate readily attaching and detaching the legs 30 to the hub 32 for storage. In certain embodiments, the legs 30 may include a shaft 34 that extends from a proximal end of the first leg section 60. The shaft 34 may extend into an aperture 36 formed in the hub 32. The shaft 34 may have a shape that is similar to a shape of the aperture 36. The shaft 34 should have sufficient strength to resist deformation during use of the portable pole dancing system 10. In certain embodiments, the aperture 36 and the shaft 34 may each have a substantially circular profile.

The shaft 34 may be affixed to one of the hub 32 or the leg 30. Affixing the shaft 34 enables a size of the hub 32 to be reduced when compared with the hub 32 having the shafts 34 extending therefrom.

Distal ends of the first leg section 60 on one of the legs 30 may be attached to the third leg section 64 on an adjacent leg 30. While it is possible to connect the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64 using a variety of mechanisms, one suitable technique for attaching the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64 is a clip 66 that at least partially extends around at least one of the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64. The clip 66 enables relatively rapid attachment and detachment. An example of another suitable technique for attaching together the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64 is a bolt and a nut (not shown).

The hub 32 may have an upper hub portion 70 and a lower hub portion 72. The upper portion 70 may have a generally cylindrical configuration with a recess 74 that extends at least partially therethrough from an upper end thereof. The recess 74 may be adapted to receive the pole 22, as described in more detail herein.

The lower hub portion 72 may have the plurality of apertures 36 formed therein that are adapted to each receive one of the shaft 34, as is described in more detail above. A transition region 78 between the upper hub portion 70 and the lower hub portion 72 may have a diameter that gradually increases when moving from the upper hub portion 70 to the lower hub portion 72 to enhance the strength of the hub 32.

The pole 22 may have a generally cylindrical shape that is relatively consistent from an upper end to a lower end of the pole 22. The diameter of the pole 22 may be selected based upon a variety of factors such as the size of the person's hands that will be using the pole 22. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the pole 22 may be between about 20 millimeters and 70 millimeters. In other embodiments, the diameter of the pole 22 may be between about 38 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

The pole 22 may be formed in a single piece or in multiple pieces. Forming the pole 22 in multiple pieces enables the portable pole dancing system 10 to be stored in a smaller size than forming the pole 22 in a single piece. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of techniques for attaching the multiple pole pieces together. One such suitable technique is forming adjacent pole sections with mating threaded regions.

The pole 22 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. A few criteria that may be used for selecting the material from which the pole 22 is fabricated include strength to support the persons who will be using the pole 22 and the ability of the persons using the pole 22 to obtain a firm grip on the pole 22. In certain embodiments, the pole 22 may be fabricated from stainless steel. To enhance the appearance of the pole 22, a surface of the pole 22 may have a mirror polish.

The length of the pole 22 may be selected based upon the intended use of the portable pole dancing system 10 or other factors such as the height of the persons who will be using the portable pole dancing system 10. In certain embodiments, the length of the pole 22 may be between 2 meters and 3 meters. In other embodiments, the length of the pole 22 is about 2.4 meters.

The pole 22 may be attached to the hub 32 using a variety of techniques. One suitable technique is frictional engagement between the outer surface of the pole 22 and the inner surface of the hub 32. Examples of other techniques include a set screw that extends through the hub 32 and engages the pole 22.

It is also possible to form the lower end of the pole 22 with a non-cylindrical shape such as a pentagon or hexagon and then form the recess in the hub 32 with a similar shape. Using such a technique could prevent rotation of the pole 22 with respect to the hub 32.

It is possible to adapt the concepts of the invention for use in conjunction with a variety of different styles of poles 22. Examples of suitable configurations for the pole 22 include static, rotating and Chinese.

The mat 24 extends over at least a portion of the base 20. In certain embodiments, the mat 24 substantially covers the base 20. The mat 24 may be formed with a shape that at least partially conforms to a shape of the base 20. In certain embodiments, the mat 24 may be formed with a generally circular shape.

The mat 24 may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the base 20. In certain embodiments, the mat 24 may have a diameter of between about 1 meter and 3 meters. In other embodiments, the mat 24 may have a diameter of between about 1.5 meters and 2.0 meters. In still other embodiments, the mat 24 may have a diameter of about 1.8 meters.

Proximate a center of the mat 24, an aperture may be formed therein through which the pole 22 may extend. To minimize the potential of a person stepping into the aperture and potentially being injured, the aperture may have a diameter that is approximately the same as a diameter of the pole 22.

The mat 24 may have a thickness that is greater than a height of the base 20. In certain embodiments, the mat 24 may have a thickness of between about 20 millimeters and 100 millimeters. In other embodiments, the mat 24 may have a thickness of about 40 millimeters.

While it is possible for a lower surface 80 of the mat 24 to be substantially flat, the lower surface 80 may have a channel (not shown) formed therein. The channel may be configured to have a shape that is similar to a shape of the base 20 over which the mat 24 is placed.

The channel may have a width that is slightly larger than the width of the portion of the base 20 over which that portion of the channel will be placed. The channel may have a depth that is slightly larger than the height of the portion of the base 20 over which that portion of the channel will be placed. Using such a configuration provides the mat 24 with a substantially flat upper surface.

The mat 24 may be formed from a resilient material such as an expanded foam. To increase the durability of the mat 24, a coating or covering may be applied to or extended over the mat 24. An example of one such covering material is a layer of PVC.

In certain embodiments, the mat 24 may be fabricated from a resilient material that at least partially compresses when a weight such as from a person's foot is place on the mat 24. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that using a resilient material to fabricate the mat 24 may enhance the safety of the product.

In other embodiments, the mat 24 may be fabricated from a non-resilient material. In still other embodiments, it may be possible to fabricate the base relatively flat and use the portable pole dancing system 10 without a mat 24.

In an alternative configuration, the mat 24 is fabricated in multiple parts, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. Forming the mat 24 in multiple parts makes it easier to store the mat 24 when not in use or transport the mat 24 to a location where it is desired to use the portable pole dancing system 10.

The mat 24 may include an upper mat portion 90 (as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8) and a lower mat portion 92 (as illustrated in FIG. 9). Forming the mat 24 with the upper mat portion 90 and the lower mat portion 92 obviates the need to form the mat 24 with the channel as is discussed above while still providing the mat 24 with a substantially flat upper surface.

The upper mat portion 90 may be formed in at least two mat sections 94. Forming the upper mat portion 90 in at least two mat sections 94 enables the upper mat portion 90 to be folded for storage or transportation. In certain embodiments, the upper mat portion 90 includes 4 sections or 6 sections.

The mat sections 94 may be attached to adjacent mat sections 94 with a fastening device 96. An example of one suitable fastening device 96 is a hook and loop fastener such as available under the designation VELCRO. While it is possible for the fastening device 96 to be used between each of the adjacent mat sections 94, it is possible for at least one of the adjacent mat sections 94 to be permanently attached to each other.

A upper surface of the upper mat portion 90 may be fabricated from a variety of materials depending on the conditions under which the portable pole dancing system 10 will be used. In certain embodiments, the upper surface may resist slipping. The upper surface may be very durable to withstand extended periods of use before needing to be repaired or replaced. Alternatively or additionally, the upper surface may be formed from a waterproof material. Similar to the mat 24 that is discussed above, the upper mat portion 90 may be fabricated from a resilient material or a non-resilient material.

A lower surface of the upper mat portion 90 may be fabricated from a variety of materials depending on the conditions under which the portable pole dancing system 10 will be used. In certain embodiments, the lower surface should resist sliding with respect to the lower mat portion 92 as well as with respect to the base 20. Alternatively or additionally, a fastening system may be placed between at least one of base 20, the upper mat portion 90 and the lower mat portion 92. An example of one such fastening system is a hook and loop fastener that is available under the designation VELCRO.

When not in use, the upper mat portion 90 may be folded so that the mat section 94 are oriented above each other, as is illustrated in FIG. 8. To facilitate maintaining the mat section 94 in the folded configuration, a strap may be placed around the upper mat portion 90. It is also possible to use a variety of other techniques to maintain the upper mat portion 90 in the folded configuration.

To facilitate transporting the upper mat portion 90 in the folded configuration, at least one handle 100 may be attached thereto. Alternatively or additionally, a strap (not shown) may be attached to the upper mat portion 90. The strap may be placed over a person's shoulder when carrying the upper may portion 90. The strap may be removably attached to the upper mat portion 90 such that the strap may be detached from the upper mat portion 90 when the portable pole dancing system 10 is assembled.

Similar to the upper mat portion 90, the lower mat portion 92 may take a variety of configurations using the concepts of the current invention. Depending on the material from which the upper mat portion 90 is formed, it may be desirable for the lower mat portion 92 and the base 20 to form a substantially flat surface.

In one configuration where the base 20 includes six legs 30, the lower mat portion 92 may include six sections that are each formed with a shape and size that substantially occupies an interior region of the leg 30, as is illustrated in FIG. 9. The lower mat portion 92 may be formed with a height that is approximately the same as a height of the leg 30.

In certain embodiments, the lower mat portion 92 may be formed in mat sections that are not attached to each other. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the mat sections that constitute the lower mat portion 92 may be attached to each other.

In use, the portable pole dance system 10 is initially in a storage configuration. The shaft 34 on six of the legs 30 is extended into corresponding apertures 36 on the hub 32. The legs 30 are oriented in a position so that the first leg section 60 and the adjacent third leg section 64 are generally adjacent to each other. The clip 66 may then be attached to the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64 to retain the first leg section 60 and the third leg section 64 in a substantially stationary position with respect to each other.

The mat 24 is placed over the base 20 so that the portions of the base 20 are at least partially recessed in the channels in the base. Finally, the lower end of the pole 22 is extended into the aperture 74. Thereafter, the portable pole dancing system 10 may be used. Once use of the portable pole dancing system 10 is completed, the portable pole dancing system 10 may be disassembled by reversing the process set forth above.

In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill. 

1. A portable pole dancing system comprising: a base; a pole extending substantially perpendicular from the base, wherein the base has a thickness that is less than a diameter of the pole; and a mat substantially covering the base.
 2. The portable pole dancing system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a hub and at least one leg extending therefrom.
 3. The portable pole dancing system of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one leg has a generally triangular shape comprising: a first leg section that is configured to engage the hub; a second leg section that extends from the first leg section; and a third leg section that extends from the second leg section opposite the second leg section.
 4. The portable pole dancing system of claim 3, and further comprising at least one clip adapted to releasably attach the first leg section and the third leg section on adjacent legs attached to the hub.
 5. The portable pole dancing system of claim 1, wherein the mat is formed with a height that is less than about one inch.
 6. The portable pole dancing system of claim 1, wherein the mat is formed with a channel that receives a portion of the base and wherein the channel has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the base.
 7. The portable pole dancing system of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises at least two mat sections that are attachable to each other.
 8. The portable pole dancing system of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises an upper mat portion and a lower mat portion, wherein the upper mat portion is placed over a portion of the base and wherein the lower mat portion is placed beneath the upper mat portion.
 9. The portable pole dancing system of claim 8, wherein at least two of the base, the upper mat portion and the lower mat portion are attachable to each other.
 10. The portable pole dancing system of claim 8, and further comprising at least one of a handle and a strap attached to at least one of the upper mat portion and the lower mat portion.
 11. A method of using a portable pole dancing system comprising: attaching a pole to a base so that the pole extends substantially perpendicular from the base, wherein the base has a thickness that is less than a diameter of the pole; and placing a mat over the base so that the mat substantially covers the base.
 12. The method of claim 11, and further comprising forming the base with a hub and at least one leg extending therefrom.
 13. The method of claim 12, and further comprising forming each of the at least one leg with a generally triangular shape comprising: a first leg section that is configured to engage the hub; a second leg section that extends from the first leg section; and a third leg section that extends from the second leg section opposite the second leg section.
 14. The method of claim 15, and further comprising releasably attaching the first leg section and the third leg section on adjacent legs attached to the hub with at least one clip.
 15. The method of claim 11, and further comprising forming the mat with a height that less than about one inch.
 16. The method of claim 11, and further comprising forming the mat with a channel that receives a portion of the base, wherein the channel has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the base.
 17. The method of claim 11, and further comprising forming the mat in at least two mat sections that are attachable to each other.
 18. The method of claim 11, and further comprising forming the mat with an upper mat portion and a lower mat portion, wherein the upper mat portion is placed over a portion of the base and wherein the lower mat portion is placed beneath the upper mat portion.
 19. The method of claim 18, and further comprising attaching together at least two of the base, the upper mat portion and the lower mat portion.
 20. The method of claim 18, and further comprising attaching at least one of a handle and a strap attached to at least one of the upper mat portion and the lower mat portion.
 21. A portable pole dancing system comprising: a base; a pole extending substantially perpendicular from the base; and a mat substantially covering the base, wherein the portable pole dancing system having a ground engaging surface and an upper exercise surface; wherein the upper exercise surface is defined by an upper surface of the mat; and wherein the upper exercise surface is less than 6 inches above the ground engaging surface.
 22. A portable pole dancing system according to claim 21, wherein the upper exercise surface is less than 2 inches above the ground engaging surface.
 23. The portable pole dancing system of claim 21, wherein the base comprises a hub and at least one leg extending therefrom.
 24. The portable pole dancing system of claim 23, wherein each of the at least one leg has a generally triangular shape comprising: a first leg section that is configured to engage the hub; a second leg section that extends from the first leg section; and a third leg section that extends from the second leg section opposite the second leg section.
 25. The portable pole dancing system of claim 24, and further comprising at least one clip adapted to releasably attach the first leg section and the third leg section on adjacent legs attached to the hub. 